Investigators determined the blaze was a result of arson and that someone set the fire while a family, tenants and pets were inside sleeping. Two cats died in the blaze.

"The fact that you have two cars, same owner, not close enough for the fire to have spread from one to the other, both involved in the fire at the same time, is highly suspicious," Supt. Time McConnell said. "And certainly we'll look at every possible cause and motivation."

Mario Zervigon owns and lived at the large property with his family. He is a development and political finance director at Zervigon Consulting.

Zervigon's family said that he and his daughter worked quickly to alert everyone inside the home. The large property is split into several units.

Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fire Marshal's Office and the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Police Department have been involved in the investigation.

"ATF, along with our law enforcement and fire prevention partners, understands that this type of violent criminal act has a devastating impact on the victim, as well as the community," ATF special agent Phillip Durham said.

ATF officials want anyone with information on the incident to contact their office. They can be reached at 504-841-7000.